This sampler has a very unusual composition, with all sorts of odd devices and shapes-within-shapes. It has a traditional Greek fretwork border, and Adam and Eve with the Tree of Life and the serpent inside a cartouche. At the centre is a large house with a sailing ship beneath it, flanked by assorted strange animals, including trumpeting swans. The jury's still out regarding its origin. It is suspected to be English, but never having seen the likes of this before and considering the coarsely woven homespun linen of the original, it could very well be American, possibly from New York State.

Origin and date: Possibly English 1804
Linen count and finished size: 25 count, 18-1/2"x23-1/4". Kit contains fabric, cotton or silk thread, needle and instructions.

Stitches: Cross, back, straight, tent, and long arm cross in 20 different colours.

Source: From the collection of The Scarlet Letter

Scroll down to view the original 1804 sampler (second picture) and also clse up pictures of sections of this sampler kit.